Use of Online Public Access Catalogue at Annamalai University Library

Abstract

The patrons in the library can search the bibliographic database and find specific in formation online. The search facility also aprises the user about the availability of each item fo r circulation, including current status of individual copies of a title and reserve status. It also shows titles on order displaying current status in acquisition. This paper examines Online Public Access Catalogue usage by the students, research scholars and faculty of Annamalai University Library. A questionnaire-based survey on use of OPAC was conducted for Annamalai University Library on various categories of users such as faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students, covering different disciplines such as Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine and Agriculture sciences. The paper discusses various aspects of OPAC such as frequency of use, purpose, satisfaction level, etc. The results of the study show that only one third of the respondents used OPAC frequently. The study also found that majority of users consulted OPAC to know the availability and location of the requisite documents.